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How to install a plinth and rails for a fence

A person using a chisel and hammer to cut out slots in a fence post

Overview

Once your posts are in place, it's time to install the plinth and rails for your fence. Follow this step-by-step guide and we'll show you how to attach the fixing blocks and the plinth to your posts. You'll see how to measure and cut checks in your posts for the rails. Plus, how to cut and attach the railing posts, including an angled-corner post.

Steps

1Attach the plinth boards

Mark the height of the plinth on the posts. Measure and mark the same depth as your plinth. Cut fixing blocks from treated pine timber and nail them to the posts. Place your first plinth in place and nail it to one of the fixing blocks. Use your spirit level to make sure the plinth is level and nail it off at both ends. Continue along the fence line.
A person using a circular saw to cut a length of timber

2Measure and mark rail positions

Measure and mark the position of your rails on 1 of your posts. For a big fence you need a top, middle and bottom rail. Place a picket on top of the plinth and mark on it where the top and bottom of each rail will be. Use the picket to transfer these positions to the other posts. Use your square to run lines around the posts. Mark the depth of the rail on each post. Put a cross on the area of timber to be cut out.

A person marking a fence post using a picket for reference

3Cut the slots for your rails

Set the depth of the saw to the width of the rail. Make a few cuts in the marked rail positions. Use your hammer to knock out the cuts and tidy them with a chisel. Corner posts need a housing joint. Mark it the same as the others. Just cut the corner area out. Use the chisel to tidy it up.
A person using a chisel and hammer to cut out slots in a fence post

4Measure and attach your rails

Take measurements between the first 2 posts. If the length of the fence is longer than the timber, make a join in the centre of a post. Make the cut for the corner post at a 45-degree angle. This means the 2 rails meeting at the corner will fit together. Place the rails in the slots and nail them off. Continue along the fence for your middle, top and bottom rails.

Posts, plinths and rails ready for palings to be attached
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.